Independence Day in the Muong region

Every year, as the National Day on September 2nd approaches, the people of Thinh Lang commune, Hoa Binh ward, and many other Muong areas in the province joyfully celebrate Independence Day. In particular, they always maintain their traditional customs, with many meaningful rituals and activities.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Chuc, a respected figure in Hoa Binh ward, brought out the national flag to hang up in celebration of National Day on September 2nd.

Along with the traditional Lunar New Year, since President Ho Chi Minh read the Declaration of Independence, giving birth to the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Muong people have celebrated another sacred and meaningful festival - Independence Day. This year's festival is even more special because it marks 80 years since the country gained independence; the homeland has undergone many changes, and the people are increasingly prosperous and happy. Each citizen's joy is amplified by receiving 100,000 dong from the Government to celebrate the festival more comfortably.

Perhaps elderly people like Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chuc, a 91-year-old Party member with nearly 60 years of Party membership, who witnessed the suffering and poverty before the revolution, understand even more clearly the profound value of independence, freedom, and peace. Mrs. Chuc lamented: “The successful revolution brought about a historic transformation for the people, from the position of being exploited to the position of masters of their homeland. That is why, since that historic autumn 80 years ago, the people of Muong Thinh Lang have taken National Day as Independence Day – a very sacred holiday. In the past, when life was poor and lacking, every family tried to save up sticky rice and chickens for this special holiday. Now, life is prosperous, peaceful, and truly joyful.”

Residents of Hoa Binh ward are preparing a feast to celebrate National Day on September 2nd.

The Muong people's feast on leaves to celebrate Independence Day.

Expressing her excitement for Independence Day, without waiting for the neighborhood's loudspeaker announcement, Mrs. Chuc reminded her grandchild to take out the national flag, which had been carefully stored away, and hang it in front of the gate. Her son, Mr. Nguyen Van Phong, had already shared a pig weighing over 80kg with three other families since August 30th. The pork was used for the filling of the rice cakes and the feast. "Our family still maintains the tradition of making rice cakes and preparing the traditional feast wrapped in banana leaves for a family reunion," Mr. Phong shared.

This year's autumn weather in Thinh Lang has been rainy, but the streets have been cleaned by the residents and adorned with Party and national flags. Every household is joyfully preparing chickens, pigs, and good quality rice... to make sticky rice, feasts, and various kinds of cakes. First, the feast is offered to the ancestors as per the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) custom. Many families who have set up altars to President Ho Chi Minh also perform similar rituals. Afterwards, children and grandchildren gather around the feast at the ancestral home – the grandparents' house – to inquire about each other's health, review the work done since the beginning of the year, and encourage each other to continue striving. On this occasion, children and grandchildren also don't forget to save up to bring gifts of cakes and chickens to their parents and grandparents, showing their filial piety.

The Muong people wrap and steam uoi cakes in wooden pots (steamers) to celebrate Independence Day.

Independence Day is an occasion for the Muong people of Thinh Lang to express their patriotism, national pride, and self-respect, as well as to clearly showcase their unique culture. Despite living in the heart of the city, the Muong cultural identity remains strong, from their clothing and language to their folk arts and cuisine .

Among them, traditional cakes are indispensable: tube cakes, snail cakes, and uoi cakes, also known as love cakes or unity cakes. These cakes are all wrapped in dong leaves and tied with bamboo strips. While uoi cakes only need to be steamed, tube cakes and snail cakes must be boiled for about 10-12 hours.

During holidays, the whole family gathers to prepare ingredients, wrap cakes, cook feasts, and celebrate Tet – these are memorable moments. It's heartening that today's younger generation, living in modern cities, still cherishes and preserves the beautiful customs of their homeland.

Along with celebrating Independence Day with family, Thinh Lang and many other Muong areas in Hoa Binh province such as Muong Bi, Muong Vang, Muong Thang, and Muong Dong also hold cultural and sporting activities with strong ethnic identity, such as gong playing, folk singing, bamboo pole dancing, throwing the "con" (a type of ball), stick pushing, and crossbow shooting... creating a joyful atmosphere in the community.

Enjoying traditional sports to celebrate Independence Day in the Muong region of Hoa Binh.

Despite enduring the hardships and brutality of war, Independence Day is still cherished and preserved by the people today, becoming a beautiful and meaningful custom, elevated to a cultural tradition. It is a true celebration for those who understand the profound changes not only for the nation but also for each individual citizen. And each citizen continues to receive the care and attention of the Party and the State, such as the gift of 100,000 VND on National Day...

Looking back at the glorious historical journey, from the fervent revolutionary flame 80 years ago to the resistance war against colonialism and imperialism, the people of Hoa Binh have always been wholeheartedly loyal to the Party. Therefore, Independence Day holds a truly profound and sacred meaning for them.

Affirming the special value of Independence Day, recalling the glorious revolutionary historical traditions, so that every son and daughter of the Muong land can see their responsibility in continuing to strive and contribute to building their homeland and country in the era of national progress.

Cam Le

Source: https://baophutho.vn/tet-doc-lap-o-xu-muong-238905.htm